Martin Schatz

1911 - 1994

BiographyMartin Schatz is a carver who created richly painted wood sculptures of rodeo scenes, farm animals, and wildlife. His career in art began later in life after he retired from working his farm. To pass the time, he made whirlygigs and moving sculptures that were displayed in his yard near Cowley, Alberta, taking advantage of the windy southern foothills where he lived.
Schatz’s folk art drew inspiration from his rodeo and farm experiences. Both Schatz and his wife competed in rodeos, and Schatz himself participated in bronc riding, barrel racing, and pole bending. He had the ability to interpret his favourite activities and animals in unique sculptural form. Carving brought a sense of joy to Schatz, and his mechanical knowledge and years of working with animals lent an authentic and personal perspective to his work.
Schatz’s pieces were built using simple carving tools and recycled materials he gathered from around the farm. He would use fir or spruce wood to carve, and took great joy in finding and adding details to his finished works such as leather chaps, saddles with metal stirrups and even using plastic seals of motor oil containers to make the brims of cowboy hats.
Schatz’s work was coveted by many collectors, and he exhibited throughout western Canada. His work is in the collection of the Glenbow Museum in Calgary and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.